Cisco 3550 switch

Hi!

I just bought a Cisco 3550 switch for my home lab and I thought it was a good deal, but I didn't realize that I don't have regular RJ45 ports, instead I have MTRJ. And this is the first time I saw these ports ever. My bad, I know...

Can someone please explain what do I need to connect ports from this switch to my other 2950 switches and PC's? Thank you.

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Comments

mikej412

The MTRJ ports run fiber. You can get MTRJ to "other fiber connector" fiber optic cables -- but unless you have other fiber ports (or GBICs or SPFs) you can't really do much with it.

ncsugrad2002

What's the model number of the switch exactly?

ncsugrad2002

There are many versions of the 3550. The 3550-12G for example could be a core switch. It has 12 GBIC slots

veritas_libertas

ncsugrad2002 wrote: »

There are many versions of the 3550. The 3550-12G for example could be a core switch. It has 12 GBIC slots

I was going to say that, but you beat me to it.

It instantly reminded me of the core switch at my last place of employment.

Cisco Catalyst 3550 Series Switches - Products & Services - Cisco Systems

ncsugrad2002

lol why was the post between mine deleted? Funny stuff.

veritas_libertas

ncsugrad2002 wrote: »

lol why was the post between mine deleted? Funny stuff.

Well, I wasn't sure if I wanted to comment or not. Decided at the last minute to cut my earlier comment out...

newman555

Well what would be the cheapest way to conver optical signal to electrical, if there is a cheap one?

I'm not sure what a model number means, but this is a WS-C3550-FX-24-SMI.

mikej412

newman555 wrote: »

Well what would be the cheapest way to conver optical signal to electrical, if there is a cheap one?

I'm not sure what a model number means, but this is a WS-C3550-FX-24-SMI.

Now you got me wondering if those are 100Base-FX MTRJ ports..... you'll have to do some research on the Cisco Web site.

But it would theoretically, but maybe not economically, be possible to use media converters. Without some research (and knowing what those ports do support) I couldn't even venture a guess about the price of the media converters.

ncsugrad2002

newman555 wrote: »

Well what would be the cheapest way to conver optical signal to electrical, if there is a cheap one?

I'm not sure what a model number means, but this is a WS-C3550-FX-24-SMI.

last time i checked, media converters aren't cheap. unless you got a heck of a deal (as in, sub $200) then sell it and buy another one. you can get a regular 'ol 3550 24 PWR for $250'ish all day long on ebay

Bl8ckr0uter

Here is one from cables and kits:

Cisco 3550 24 Port PoE Switch, WS-C3550-24PWR-SMI

I am going to pick this one up. Maybe you should to.

veritas_libertas

knwminus wrote: »

Here is one from cables and kits:

Cisco 3550 24 Port PoE Switch, WS-C3550-24PWR-SMI

I am going to pick this one up. Maybe you should to.

I got mine for $50 on eBay.

Bl8ckr0uter

veritas_libertas wrote: »

I got mine for $50 on eBay.

* Jaw drops *

Forsaken_GA

mikej412 wrote: »

Now you got me wondering if those are 100Base-FX MTRJ ports..... you'll have to do some research on the Cisco Web site.

But it would theoretically, but maybe not economically, be possible to use media converters. Without some research (and knowing what those ports do support) I couldn't even venture a guess about the price of the media converters.

They're still not cheap. They're also not reliable.

Kaminsky

Catalyst 3550-24-FX Switch-24 - 100FX ports and two GBIC-based Gigabit Ethernet ports

You basically have a fibre switch with MTRJ connectors instead of RJ-45 Cat5e connectors. I'm amazed you got it for $50. MTRJ is a fibre connector like any other - SC, LC, etc. but if you are wanting a copper switch, trying to go media converters to get these ports working will be a nightmare and really expensive. You'll need the fibre fly leads with the MTRJ to ? connectors and media converters to copper fly lead leads on each port.

Better go with ncsugrad2002's advice and get rid of it for a normal copper one instead.

ncsugrad2002

veritas_libertas wrote: »

I got mine for $50 on eBay.

lol, then you got stupid lucky.

peanutnoggin

Forsaken_GA wrote: »

They're still not cheap. They're also not reliable.

We currently use the 3550s with the MTRJ connections as access layer switches. They've been reliable for us. It helps us separate different networks by using fiber connections for some clients and we use other 3550s (Cat5) for other clients. Do you have any personal experience with the 3550 MTRJ switches going bad? This way, I'll be prepared for a potential future problem. Thanks.

V/r

~Peanut

newman555

So, actually, I can't use this switch with my other 2950 switches and PC's that I have in my little home lab? Oh man, what a waste of money

I guess, next time, I'll triple check...

veritas_libertas

ncsugrad2002 wrote: »

lol, then you got stupid lucky.

I am a stubborn eBayer, I almost got another one for the same price

peanutnoggin

newman555 wrote: »

So, actually, I can't use this switch with my other 2950 switches and PC's that I have in my little home lab? Oh man, what a waste of money

I guess, next time, I'll triple check...

You can use it with your PC if you were to buy a (SC Fiber) NIC for your PC. That's what we use at work. Of course for home PCs and labs especially, that's not ideal. Seems like you have a $50 paper weight... or you may be able to pawn it off on your employer in exchange for another piece of gear that they may through out soon... Just a thought. HTH.

~Peanut

ncsugrad2002

Just sell it on eBay. It's worth more than $50 to someone I can promise you that..